Search form

Prospective MS/PhD

We are recognized as one of the best chemical engineering programs in the nation. And we still have big ambitions. We want to be the best – to produce the best engineers, to conduct the most influential research, and to solve the world’s toughest problems.

With faculty members who are leaders in their fields, state-of-the-art research facilities, and numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, our Graduate Programs will position you at the leading edging of innovation.

PhD Program

The PhD programin ChBE forges a close professional relationship between graduate students and faculty members. Working together on cutting edge research, you and your faculty mentors will develop an academic program tailored to meet your individual needs. Although the typical program takes about five years to complete, you may finish the requirements in slightly less, or more, time.

We offer financial assistance to all of our PhD students, providing exceptional opportunities to extraordinary people.

MS Program

The MS program in ChBE is a coursework-based, non-thesis degree designed for students who want to develop a deeper knowledge of the fundamentals and learn about emerging applications. It is ideal for students who plan to enter industry or who are returning to school after working in industry. The MS program requires 31 hours of coursework, which can be completed in two or three semesters (see the schedule below), depending on the student's pace and the availability of elective courses of interest. Applicants who do not have a ChBE or equivalent BS degree should read the information at the bottom of the MS Degree Requirements page, under "for applicants without a B.S. chemical engineering degree."

Students admitted to the MS ChBE program do not do thesis research and are not eligible for ChBE graduate research assistant positions or tuition waivers. Thus, it is a self-paying program. Just like PhD students, MS students can take advantage of Georgia Tech's Career Services, which hosts career fairs and connects students with the large number of employers that come to Georgia Tech seeking talent.

General Timelines

For PhD Program

Fall Year 1

Take five core ChBE courses (6003, 6100, 6200, 6300 and 6500)

Take ChBE 8801 - Research Methods & Ethics

Attend weekly research seminars

Meet with faculty to select six advisor options

Advisor assignment finalized (Oct.)

Prepare for qualifying exams (Oct. - Dec.)

Qualifying exams info session (Nov.)

Spring Year 1

Take final core CHBE course (6260)

Take elective and/or minor courses

Attend weekly research seminars

Take qualifying exams (Jan.)

Retake qualifying exams if required (May)

Begin research

Consult with advisor to select courses for minor

Possibly serve as a TA

Fall Year 2

Take elective and/or minor courses

Retake core ChBE courses if necessary for "B" or better grade

Attend weekly research seminars

Continue research

Select thesis committee

Possibly serve as TA

Spring Year 2

Take elective and/or minor courses

Retake core ChBE courses if necessary for "B" or better grade

Attend weekly research seminars

Continue research

Complete thesis proposal (deadline: summer)

Defend thesis proposal

Fall Year 3

Take elective and/or minor courses

Attend weekly research seminars

Continue research

Practical training (write papers and present at conferences)

Possibly serve as TA

Spring Year 3

Take elective and/or minor courses

Attend weekly research seminars

Continue research

Complete thesis proposal (deadline: summer)

Defend thesis proposal

Possibly serve as a TA

Fall Year 4

Attend weekly research seminars

Continue research

Practical training (write papers and present at conferences)

Present at ChBE 4th Year Colloquium

Possibly serve as TA

Spring Year 4

Attend weekly research seminars

Continue research

Practical training (write papers and present at conferences)

Present at ChBE Grad Student Symposium

Possibly serve as TA

For MS Program

Fall Year 1

Take five core ChBE courses:

6003 Safety

6100 Advanced Thermodynamics

6260 Advanced Mass Transport

6300 Advanced Kinetics and Reactor Design

6500 Advanced Mathematical Modeling

Spring Year 1

Take remaining core ChBE course (6200 Advanced Fluid Mechanics)

Take elective courses (variable to suit individual plan)

67xx ChBE elective

Free elective 1

Free elective 2 (can be deferred to fall term*)

Free elective 3 (can be deferred to fall term*)

Free elective 4 (can be deferred to fall term*)

* Graduate electives generally are not available during the summer terms.

Fall Year 2

Take remaining elective courses (depending on previous courses taken)

Free elective 2

Free elective 3

Graduate in December

Alumni Testimonial

"One of the great advantages of Chemical Engineering is that it is very broadly applicable. Having a Chemical Engineering background has prepared me to work in different research areas: colloidal science, microfluidics, and systems biology. It is important to have the support and guidance of Professors that believe in what you are doing, such as my mentors Dr. Hang Lu and Dr. Sven Behrens. Another piece of advice is to not be afraid of exploring new research avenues or opportunities. In fact, it may be crucial to pursue those new opportunities and research avenues, even if it is a bit scary.” - Dr. Adriana San Miguel, Assistant Professor, North Carolina State University